MET Concludes Successful IDB and IFAD Mission Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

The Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET) says it has completed a joint mission with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), marking a key milestone for the “Program for Sustainable and Inclusive Belize”.

Held from March 31 to April 4, the in-country mission aimed to advance agricultural development efforts by prioritising sustainability, inclusivity, and economic opportunity. Throughout the week, representatives from MET, IDB, and IFAD met to discuss strategies that support smallholder farmers, producer groups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The discussions also emphasised creating enabling environments, promoting gender equality, and empowering youth by improving access to productive resources.

Collaboration extended to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) and the Ministry of Finance’s Central Executing Unit and included field visits to San Antonio in the Cayo District and Hope Creek and Santa Cruz Villages in the Stann Creek District. These site visits were key in identifying on-the-ground needs and opportunities for growth.

The mission supports the alignment of Plan Belize and the Medium-Term Development Strategy with the country’s wider economic transformation goals.